Non-Fiction Greats!

Hosted by Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy, this is a great place to find terrific non-fiction picture books. Come visit to see what everyone is sharing.

        I was gone all the weekend, and didn’t read many non-fiction books, but the two I want to share are worth a look. These two respected authors have given so many books to savor.

The Scraps Book – written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert

            I’ve had this book for a while, and finally sat down and read all of it, not just looked often at a few pages. I imagine it would be in every classroom that encourages art and playful creativity. Lois Ehlert writes of her childhood beginnings, her parents who encouraged her by providing the materials and teaching her to use them. She took the art table her father built for her to art school!  On one page: “I created lots of art, though not for books right away. But I didn’t worry. Everyone needs time to develop their dreams. An egg in the nest doesn’t become a bird overnight.” Other pages show how she creates pages, where ideas are developed, simple materials available that are used. It’s an inspiring book for all ages.

Non-fiction Biographies

       
  Sharing with Alyson Beecher's Non-Fiction Picture Book Wednesday here!  Tweet at #NFPB2014

       I don't have many non-fiction books to share, but found two more biographies to celebrate. Both are interesting people who show such passion in their chosen work. Read on...

When The Beat Was Born, DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop – written by Laban Carrick Hill and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

               I’ve never heard of Kool Herc, and this story of how he became the DJ who started the dance parties in the Bronx, created the “break” between records by using two turntables, which became “break dancing” and hip-hop. You never know when something you love so much becomes what many others love, too. The illustrations are graphic and vibrant, like hip-hop! It’s a “Kool” biography!